Do I Need to Replace My Roof After Windstorms?

You wake up after a rough Tacoma night. The wind howled, the trees swayed, and now your yard is littered with shingles and twigs. Maybe a corner of your roof looks a little uneven, or something’s flapping near the edge. It doesn’t look terrible — but wind damage rarely tells the full story right away.

At Robb’s Roofing, we’ve seen this countless times across Tacoma. A few missing shingles might not seem urgent, yet even one lifted piece can break the seal that keeps water out. Once that happens, every storm after has an easier way in. And around here, we know the rain never stays away for long.

What Wind Really Does to Your Roof

High winds pull at your roof from the sides and top. They can lift shingles just enough to break the bond underneath, and once that seal is gone, it rarely resets. Water doesn’t need a big opening — a space no wider than a credit card is enough to let it in.

Flashing is another weak point. When strong gusts twist or loosen the metal around chimneys, vents, or skylights, rainwater follows those tiny gaps straight into your attic. Over time, that moisture can stain ceilings, soften wood, and weaken decking you can’t even see.

Quick Guide

Quick answer: High winds tear shingles, loosen flashing, and expose the layers below.

Try this: After storms, check your yard for shingles or debris and look up for lifted edges.

Stop signs: Bent ridge caps, missing sections, or any signs of water inside.

Typical cost: Minor repairs run $400–$1,500; full replacements range $9,000–$18,000+, depending on roof size and materials.

Early Clues That Trouble’s Brewing

Sometimes, the signs are subtle. Maybe you hear a faint flap at night or find a pile of shingle granules in the gutter. Inside, you might see a small brown spot on the ceiling or smell something damp in the attic. Those are quiet warnings — the kind that often go unnoticed until they become expensive.

If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right after a storm, it’s worth a closer look. A small inspection today can save you from tearing out drywall next month.

Why Tacoma’s Weather Makes It Worse

Our local weather has a way of turning minor roof damage into a major headache. Once shingles lift or flashing loosens, Tacoma’s constant drizzle and humidity keep those weak spots damp. Then winter brings freezing nights that cause water to expand inside cracks, widening them even more.

What to Do Next

At Robb’s Roofing, we’ve helped Tacoma homeowners recover from wind damage for years. We’ll inspect safely, photograph what we find, explain your options in plain English, and never suggest more than you actually need. Whether it’s a few repairs or a full replacement, we’ll make sure your home is ready for the next storm.

Final Thoughts

Windstorms may pass quickly, but the damage they leave behind can linger. Call Robb’s Roofing at (253) 820-2163 for a thorough inspection after any windstorm. We’ll handle the hard part so you can rest easy, knowing your roof — and your home — are protected.